Rear Axle - Replacement

Removal Procedure

Important: Observe and accurately mark the positions of all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shaft, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all components in the exact relationship the components had to each other during removal. Follow specifications and torque values. Follow any measurements made prior to disassembly. Refer to Rear Axle Description.

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Support the rear axle in order to relieve tension on the leaf springs.
3. Remove the wheel and tire assemblies from the rear axle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and installation in Steering and Suspension.
4. Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement -One Piece or Propeller Shaft Replacement -Two Piece.
5. Disconnect the park brake cables. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear in Brakes and Traction Control.
6. Drain lubricant from axle housing. Refer to Lubricant Change.
7. Remove the rear axle vent hose from the axle. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement.
8. Disconnect the rear brake lines from the axle. Refer to Brake Hose Replacement - Rear (8 1/2 and 9 1/2 Inch Ring Gear) or Brake Hose Replacement - Rear (10 1/2 Inch Ring Gear) in Brakes and Traction Control.
9. Disconnect the lower portion of the shock absorber from the axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Steering and Suspension.
10. Remove the rear spring U-bolts, the rear spring anchor plates and the rear spring spacers from the vehicle.
11. Remove the rear axle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Important: Observe and accurately mark the positions of all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shaft, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all components in the exact relationship the components had to each other during removal. Follow specifications and torque values. Follow any measurements made prior to disassembly. Refer to Rear Axle Description.

1. Install the rear axle to the vehicle.
2. Install the rear spring U-bolts, the rear spring anchor plates and the rear spring spacers to the vehicle.
3. Connect the lower portion of the shock absorber to the rear axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Steering and Suspension.
4. Connect the rear brake lines to the axle. Refer to
Brake Hose Replacement - Rear (8 1/2 and 9 1/2 Inch Ring Gear) or Brake Hose Replacement - Rear (10 1/2 Inch Ring Gear) in Brakes and Traction Control.
5. Install the rear axle vent hose to the axle. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement.
6. Fill the rear axle with lubricant. For proper fill procedure, refer to Lubricant Change. For lube capacity, refer to Lubrication Specifications.
7. Connect the park brake cable to the rear axle. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear in Brakes and Traction Control.
8. Install the propeller shaft to the vehicle. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece or Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece.
9. Install the wheel and tire assemblies to the rear axle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Steering and Suspension.
10. Remove the supports from the rear axle.
11. Lower the vehicle and remove the safety stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.